About The Author

Susan Axelrod

Susan Axelrod's food writing career began in the kitchen; she owned a restaurant and catering business for 15 years before turning to journalism. By day, she is the social media editor for Portland Press Herald. To relax, she bakes, gardens and hikes with her husband and their two dogs, preferably followed by a cocktail or a Maine beer.
Susan can be contacted at 791-6310 or saxelrod@mainetoday.com
On Twitter: @susansaxelrod

Where to eat & drink like an Irishman in Portland for St. Patrick’s Day

Written by: Susan Axelrod

Katya Dolloff, a server at Brian Boru, delivers Irish Breakfast to customers during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations at Brian Boru in 2013. Press Herald file photo

On St. Patrick’s Day, it’s generally all about the beer, but to keep up your strength, it’s important to eat, too. While hearty fare like shepherd’s pie and corned beef and cabbage are widely available, Portland’s Irish pubs also offer sustenance in the form of traditional old-country breakfast: a rib-sticking morning meal of Irish bacon, white and black puddings, eggs, baked beans and roasted tomato — washed down with a Guinness, of course. Here’s our annual guide to authentic Irish eats and drinks for the annual wearing of the green.

More Irish eats and drinks

At these popular pubs, you’ll find a warm Irish welcome, comfort food, and practiced hands who will top your Guinness with a foam shamrock.

72 Commercial St., Portland | 207-761-4446 | rira.com/portlandThursday, March 17: The pub traditionally offers a free buffet breakfast to those brave souls who take the Paddy’s Plunge off of East End Beach, benefiting the Firefighters Children’s Burn Foundation. For $50, non-plungers can also participate with entry to the pub between 6 and 7 a.m., Irish breakfast, Guinness and Guinness glass. Limited menu of Irish pub food available all day.

57 Center St., Portland | 207-780-1506 | brianboruportland.comThursday, March 17: The annual breakfast starts at 6 a.m. with an a la carte menu and Guinness on tap. Live music starts at 7:30 a.m. with Rum Riot (traditional Irish music) and continues all day.